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Soybeans transformed with a fungal phytase gene improve phosphorus availability for broilers
D M Denbow1, E A Grabau, G H Lacy
1Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA. Denbowdm@VT.EDU
Poultry Science
|June 17, 1998
Summary
Dietary phytase, provided as a supplement or in transformed soybeans, improved broiler growth and phosphorus utilization. Both sources were equally effective, except for phosphorus digestibility.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Dietary phosphorus (P) is crucial for broiler growth and bone development.
- Non-phytate phosphorus (nP) is often supplemented, increasing costs and environmental concerns.
- Phytase enzymes can release phytate-bound phosphorus, improving P utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of commercial phytase versus phytase produced in transformed soybeans for broiler nutrition.
- To evaluate the impact of different non-phytate phosphorus levels on broiler performance and P excretion.
Main Methods:
- Male broilers were fed diets with varying levels of non-phytate phosphorus (nP) or supplemented with fungal phytase or phytase from transformed soybeans.
- Growth performance, feed intake, toe ash, tibia characteristics, and phosphorus digestibility were measured.
- Excreta phosphorus excretion was quantified.
Main Results:
- Supplementing with nP or phytase improved broiler growth, feed efficiency, and bone mineralization.
- Dietary phytase linearly increased growth, feed intake, bone ash, and phosphorus digestibility while decreasing P excretion.
- Both commercial phytase and phytase from transformed soybeans showed similar efficacy in improving performance, bone mineralization, and reducing P excretion, with the exception of phosphorus digestibility.
Conclusions:
- Phytase supplementation, whether commercial or from transformed soybeans, enhances broiler growth performance and phosphorus utilization in low nP diets.
- Transformed soybean-based phytase offers a viable alternative to commercial supplements for improving broiler nutrition and reducing environmental phosphorus output.